Dunbar Cave State Natural Area has been a State Park since 1973. The cave and its surrounding 110 acres have considerable scenic, natural and historical significance. The entrance offered shelter to prehistoric Native Americans as far back as 10,000 years.
Dunbar Cave State Natural Area will present many nature programs this summer.
Upcoming events include: Insect Condos, Orienteering, Indian Pottery, Canoeing on Swan Lake, Children’s Theater Craft Activity Children, Special Program, Frogs and Toads, and so much more!
Programs are free unless noted otherwise. All programs require reservations by the deadline listed. Programs with no reservations by the deadline are canceled.
All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.
Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children).
The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program.
Call 931-648-5526 for reservations.
Sunday, July 18th
INSECT CONDOS
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 5-Adult
Take a hike around the short loop to learn more about the growths, called galls, occurring on our trees and leaves. We can also take a peek inside to see whos inside. Bring hiking shoes, water and sunscreen.
Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger.
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 17th.
SLIPPERY SALAMANDERS
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: 5-Adult
Let’s all take a look at these amazing creatures with a slideshow and later go find some for ourselves. Bring hiking shoes, water and sunscreen.
Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger.
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 17th.
SPIDER EYES
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Ages: All Ages
This is going to be a fun night hike on the Short-Loop Trail in search of glowing spider eyes and any other creatures we may find in the forest at night. Bring flashlights and bug spray.
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger.
Rservations by: 12:00 July 18th.
Monday, July 19th
BOMB SHELTERS
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Ages: 10-Adult
Did you know that Dunbar Cave was designated as a nuclear fallout shelter during the Cold War? Come learn about this little known part of our history.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 18th.
Tuesday, July 20th
BIRD HIKE
Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Ages: 10-Adult
This is a great opportunity to enter the park before normal hours and discover the many species of bird that live here. All levels of birders are welcome. Bring Binoculars and field guides if you own some.
Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 18th.
TREE IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 7-Adult
This a workshop to help you learn many of the common trees found in Tennessee. You will make tree cards with leaf samples and bark rubbings that you can keep and use to identify trees at home. There will be a short walk involved, to practice your tree knowledge.
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 19th.
Wednesday, July 21st
DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Time: All Ages
Learn about these colorful and diverse insects with a brief slideshow. Then grab an insect net and try and catch some!
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 20th.
GEOLOGY OF OUR AREA
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 6-Adult
Ever wonder why there are so many sinkholes in Clarksville, or how fossilized coral ended up in your backyard? Come learn the answers to these and other questions about our local geology. Be prepared for a short walk to the cave entrance and back.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 20th.
SNAPPING TURTLES!
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Snapping turtles are feared and misunderstood. This program will teach you all about these huge reptiles, and will give you a chance to see some with a walk around the lake.
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservation by: 4:30pm July 20th.
Thursday, July 22nd
ORIENTEERING
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Ages: 5 – 15
Your in the woods and its getting late. Your map, compass, and a couple of tricks from nature can help you get your bearings and get home. Bring hiking boots, sunscreen, and water.
Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 21st.
INDIAN POTTERY
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 3-Adult
Create you own piece of authentic clay pottery just like the Woodland Indians did long ago, and the take it home with you. Bring your imagination and an old shirt. Meet at the Cave Entrance.
Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 21st.
Friday July 23rd
CANOEING ON SWAN LAKE
Time: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Come and canoe on Dunbar Cave’s lake. This is great for first time paddlers. Make sure to wear sunscreen and clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet in. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Reservations not required.
Sign-up sheet in the Visitor’s Center.
Program Leader: Park Staff
Saturday, July 24th
Children’s Theater Craft Activity Children
Time: 10:30am – 11:00am
The actors of the Children’s Theater need help with their presentation at 11:00am. Please come out and make masks and other crafts and later participate in the performance. Meet at Cave Entrance.
Reservations required for this activity – Deadline is 4:30pm July 22nd.
SPECIAL PROGRAM
Time: 11:00am – 11:45am
Ages: All Ages
Children’s Theater Narrative Reading and Enactment of the original stories The Squirrel and the Acorn and The Caterpillar and the Frog. Actors from Austin Peay State University will present these special stories.
Meet at the Cave Entrance (bring a folding or sports chair if you want a comfortable seat).
No reservations needed for this portion of the program.
Frogs and Toads
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Dunbar Cave boasts 11 different species of frogs and toads. Join park staff for a slide show on our favorite amphibians, followed by a short walk around the lake to see if we can spot some! Meet at the Visitor’s Center.
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: Noon July 24th.
Call 931-648-5526 for reservations.
